Hundreds flock to WIlliam Dunlop’s funeral in Ireland

Thousands of race fans lined the streets of Ballymoney last week for the funeral of William Dunlop. The winner of 119 road races was laid to rest beside his father Robert and uncle Joey in the small country graveyard behind the church. William’s brothers, Michael and Daniel, and his cousin Gary carried the coffin.

Dunlop died in a crash during practice for the Skerries 100 on July 7 and bikers braved the rain and travelled from all over Ireland to pay tribute. They were joined by his family and partner and a host of road racing stars, past and present. The Reverend John Kirkpatrick, one of the Motorcycle Union of Ireland’s race chaplains, delivered the eulogy. Kirkpatrick previously performed the same role at the funerals of Joey and Robert Dunlop after their deaths in race crashes in 2000 and 2008. Speaking afterwards Kirkpatrick said: “I’ve watched William throughout his racing career. He was a quiet man who never wanted to be at the centre of things but he always brought quality to the racing wherever he went. Down the years he was also a very consistent rider. He couldn’t have achieved all of those wins otherwise.” “The Dunlop family’s pain and grief is immeasurable.” Kirkpatrick said. “But when you really love someone you have to be prepared to let them do those things that involve risks. The Dunlops who race really love what they do and they are supported by their family. That is very difficult for some people to understand but the people standing outside this church today understand it.” A crowdfunding page to raise money for William’s family looks set to bust its £25,000 target. Set up to benefit the two-year-old daughter Dunlop fathered with his now-pregnant partner Janine, the page has been set up in conjunction with Crossan Motorcycles and The Visor Shop and with approval of the Dunlop family by Anne Marie Magee. She said “William was a true gentleman and one of our most liked racers, a great ambassador for the sport of road racing, always having time for his fans and supporters. Please help support the family that he has left behind.” To donate to the fund head to www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/williamdunlop William in pictures,

Thousands mourn fallen racer and donate to family fund ‘He always brought quality to the racing’

‘The Dunlop family’s grief is immeasurable’

William’s brother Michael helps carry the coffin Fans and race marshals lined the route of the funeral William was laid to rest next to his father and uncle TT racer Lee Johnston was among the mourners